Helsinki Court of Appeal overturns man’s conviction for sexual offenses against children

The Helsinki Court of Appeal has overturned a nearly six-decade-old man’s conviction for multiple sexual offenses against children. The court determined that the Helsinki District Court had made a procedural error by allowing the man to defend himself in court, concluding that a defense attorney should have been appointed.

Last year, the district court sentenced the man to four years in prison for the sexual exploitation of 26 children. Due to the uncorrectable procedural error, the case will return to the district court for a new hearing, and the appellate court has annulled the man’s original conviction, ordering his release.

The court emphasized that fundamental principles of a fair trial were not upheld in this case. The situation involved serious crimes and a broad context wherein two prosecutors handled the case, and all victims had legal representation. The appellate court noted that the man may not have fully grasped the gravity of the situation, as he was at a disadvantage responding alone to the charges and claims for damages.

According to the district court ruling, the exploitation occurred online over a few days in July 2020. The man posed as a girl in a chat application intended for minors, inquiring about the victims’ sexual development, and in some instances, he coerced children into touching his breasts or genitals. The man denied the allegations, claiming that someone else had used his internet connection.

The prosecutor and victims opposed the case being sent back to the district court. The prosecutor stated that the man had been informed well in advance about his right to legal representation but he adamantly refused, insisting on self-representation. The district judge indicated that the man had repeatedly declined assistance despite being encouraged to do so.